"Smackers," explained Danny lucidly.
"Smackers? Is there such a coin in America?" asked Capietro, turning to Stabutch.
"Doubtless a vernacularism," said the Russian.
"Geeze, you wops is dumb," growled the "Gunner." "A smacker's a buck. Every one knows that."
"Perhaps if you would tell him in dollars it would be easier," suggested Stabutch. "We all understand the value of an American dollar."
"That's a lot more than some Americans understand," Danny assured him; "but it's just what I been saying right along—ten thousand dollars—and it's too damn much."
"That is for you to decide," said Capietro. "I am tired of bargaining—nobody but an American would bargain over a human life."
"What you been doing?" demanded the "Gunner." "You're the guy that started it."
Capietro shrugged. "It is not my life," he said. "You will pay me ten thousand American dollars, or you will die. Take your choice."
"Oke," said Danny. "I'll pay. Now do I eat? If you don't feed me I won't be worth nothing."